2011 NHL Free Agency: 5 Fowards the Vancouver Canucks Should Pursue

When the Vancouver Canucks scored eight goals in seven games during the Stanley Cup Finals, it became clear what they needed to accomplish over the summer. They had to bring in guys who could score.

The only way the Canucks could add a player who is a huge scoring threat at this point is through trades, with most of the big scorers already being swooped up by other teams. However, there are still intriguing options at the forward position for the Canucks.

There are some big question marks on the Canucks roster right now. Mason Raymond isn't expected to return from his back injury until November, and the Canucks will want to keep a close eye on how effective he can be when he returns.

Mikael Samuelsson's numbers also raised eyebrows in Vancouver last season. He scored 18 goals last season, after putting up a career-high 30 goals during the 2009-10 season. Vancouver hopes he can get his scoring back up again.

The only way the Canucks could add a player who is a huge scoring threat at this point is through trades, with most of the big scorers already being swooped up by other teams. However, there are still intriguing options at the forward position for the Canucks.

Here are five options that Mike Gillis and the Canucks should be considering as the NHL free agency frenzy continues.

1. John Madden

While John Madden's numbers might not be eye-popping, he is a veteran center who could bring experience to the Canucks. He also has something every team loves to see in a player: a desire to win.

After winning the Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2010, Madden is hungry for one more championship which is unlikely to happen next season in Minnesota. He has expressed that his family is willing to move to win one more Cup. Even his wife told him he isn't done playing yet.

Vancouver has to be on Madden's wish list if he wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to win a Cup next season.

Last season with the Wild, Madden appeared in 76 games, scoring 12 goals and 13 assists.

Give Madden a short contract, throw him in on a lower line, and those elements, combined with his desire to win one more Cup, could make for a very nice addition.

2. J.P. Dumont

I include J.P. Dumont in this list because he has put up reliable numbers in recent enough years, and still could return to his old form.

This last season was one Dumont would like to forget. In 70 games he scored 10 goals with nine assists.

If the Canucks were to sign Dumont, it would be because they hope he could play like he did during the 2007-08 season, where he scored 29 goals (a career high) along with 43 assists for a career-high 72 points.

At age 33, Dumont is past his prime but could still contribute for a team given the right situation. This is a risk for Vancouver, but they could snag Dumont for an affordable price, which could pay off if he can return to his form from recent years.

He has proven in the past that he can be a threat to score goals and, if Mike Gillis is willing to take a chance on Dumont, there is still a chance he could contribute to the Canucks.

4. Sergei Samsonov

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Much like many of the free agents left over after the frenzy of the first week, Samsonov had a season he would like to put behind him last year.

After putting up respectable numbers with Carolina, Samsonov only appeared in 20 games for the Panthers. However, he did put up 14 points in those 20 games, so it makes fans wonder what he could have done with a full season.

I think of all the free agent forwards remaining, Samsonov is one of the most intriguing options. At age 32, he still has plenty of time left in his career and can bring a lot of experience to the team willing to give him a chance.

Samsonov was drafted when he was just 18, and played in at least 74 games during his first five seasons. While his playing time has dipped recently, he is probably the most experienced 32-year-old you can find in the NHL with nearly 900 games under his belt.

I wouldn't even call signing Samsonov a risk. He has proven himself in the league, and is still young enough where he could become a key player for the team willing to sign him.

5. Chris Drury

Chris Drury fits this list thanks to having a season to forget last year. Just kidding.

Like other players on this list, Drury's performance in the 2010-11 season was uncharacteristic for his career. He appeared in only 24 games, scoring one goal and adding four assists.

So why sign him?

Prior to last season, Drury has almost always put up reliable numbers. He is still good for a 30- to 40-point season, and brings experience and leadership.

The Canucks should look to sign Drury because he is just a solid, all around player who, like countless other reliable NHL players, just had a bad season. It happens. It doesn't mean that because he had one bad year he is totally worthless.

His numbers from recent years are almost impossible to ignore. His point total has constantly been in the high 50s, and his goals and assists are always close to equal, making him a well-rounded option for the Canucks to consider.